Lithuanian Sports University Virtual Library
Not a member yet
4708 research outputs found
Sort by
The impact of physical activity on hormonal responses and cognitive efficiency during a simulated workday in men and women: preliminary findings :
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of moderate-intensity physical activity, performed before and after an 8-hour simulated workday, on hormonal responses and cognitive efficiency, and to compare these effects between women and men. Methods: Twenty healthy men and women aged 18–36 years were randomly assigned to control (n = 20) and exercise (n = 20) protocols. During the exercise protocol, participants performed 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on a cycle ergometer before and after a simulated 8-hour workday. The simulated workday consisted of eight cognitive test sessions from the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics 4 (ANAM4), with each session lasting 45–50 minutes. To assess psycho-emotional changes, participants completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on a 10 cm horizontal line. Salivary samples were collected, and biochemical analysis of cortisol and testosterone levels was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology. Results: The study demonstrated significantly higher testosterone levels in men compared to women (p 0.05), both men and women reported increased mental fatigue (p < 0.05) and decreased motivation (p < 0.05) after eight hours of cognitive work. Significant decreases in memory and cognitive efficiency (p < 0.05) were observed in both genders and across both protocols. However, a tendency towards better cognitive efficiency was noted in the exercise protocol. Conclusion: Moderate-intensity physical activity before and after prolonged cognitive work may support hormonal balance and help preserve cognitive performance. While both women and men showed increased mental fatigue and reduced motivation, the exercise protocol was associated with a tendency towards better cognitive efficiency, highlighting the potential benefits of physical activity during mentally demanding days. More data is needed to confirm the results. Support/Funding Source: Study was funded by Lithuanian Sports University
The relationship between physical activity and wellbeing among adolescent girls during menstruation :
No full textPurpose: Menstruation can significantly impact adolescent girls’ physical and psychological wellbeing, yet the influence of physical activity on their experiences during this period remains insufficiently understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between physical activity and wellbeing among adolescent girls during menstruation. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, involving 431 female students in grades 9 through 12, aged 15 to 19 years (standard deviation = 1.08). Data were collected via an online survey. The questionnaire was based on the “Surveillance of water, sanitation and hygiene in schools: A practical tool” (World Health Organization, 2019). Results: The main reason for school absenteeism during menstruation was painful menstruation (92.4%). During menstruation, 55.1% of girls reported feeling bad or very bad, whereas only 8.6% indicated feeling good or very good. Regarding participation in physical education classes during menstruation, 24.6% of girls reported active participation, while almost half (47.2%) stated that their teachers permitted them to observe rather than participate. In terms of extracurricular physical activity, 39.4% of girls engaged in leisure-time physical activity, and 37% attended after-school sports activities for periods ranging from one year to five years or more. Girls with longer durations of after-school sports activities were significantly less likely to miss sports activity during menstruation, χ² (10, n = 460) = 18.711, p = 0.044. However, there was no significant association between years of training and wellbeing during menstruation (p = 0.759). Furthermore, more than half of the participants reported feeling bad or very bad during menstruation, regardless of their engagement in after-school sports activities (p = 0.905). Conclusion: Menstrual pain is the primary factor contributing to school absenteeism among adolescent girls during menstruation. Only a minority participate in physical education classes during this period, with most either observing or abstaining from attendance. Girls with extended training experience are less likely to miss sports activity during menstruation, even when experiencing discomfort. Nevertheless, there is no significant relationship between physical activity levels and self-reported wellbeing during menstruation
Trends in indicators of violence among adolescents in Europe and North America 1994-2022 /
No full textOBJECTIVES: To describe age and gender specific time trends in adolescent violence across 19 countries over 28 years. METHODS: The paper presents analysis of eight cycles of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study from 1994-2022, involving 789,531 children aged 11, 13, and 15. Indicators of violence included physical fighting, school bullying and cyberbullying (from 2018). Log-binomial regression models were used to test for linear temporal trends, with Generalized Estimating Equations used to account for clustering by country. RESULTS: School bullying perpetration and victimization declined over time in each age/gender group in most countries. Similar declines were reported for frequent physical fighting among boys (all ages) and girls (age 15 only). The prevalence of violent behaviour was almost universally higher in boys in the early cycles than in girls, but this gender difference attenuated over time. For cyberbullying, significant increases were observed since 2018 in all groups except age 15 girls in most countries. CONCLUSION: This analysis of a large cross-national dataset suggests a decline in traditional forms of adolescent violence. However, the increases in cyberbullying warrant further monitoring
Training load dynamics of the Lithuanian men’s pair rowing crew in preparation for the Paris olympic games and functional state monitoring using Ruffier test indicators (case study).
No full textThe aim of the study was to identify the characteristics of training load fluctuations during the 2023–2024 season for the Lithuanian men’s pair rowing crew preparing for the Paris Olympic Games, and to evaluate the relationship between training loads and functional status using Ruffier test indicators. Methods. The study analyzed training loads and self-monitoring data recorded in the athlete’s training log for the years 2023 and 2024. The evaluation included an analysis of the dynamics of training volume and intensity, as well as changes in aerobic capacity. Changes in physical load were assessed by calculating their relative variation (%), and the significance of the changes was determined using Cohen’s d effect size. Results. The analysis of the collected data revealed that training dynamics in 2024 were more variable compared to 2023, especially during the preparatory competition phase. General physical training load increased by 42% in this phase, while the volume of sport-specific training decreased by 15.7%. More precise control of aerobic and anaerobic loads was observed, focusing on higher training quality and athlete recovery. Ruffier test results showed a significant improvement in the athlete’s functional state – the index decreased to -1.6 in 2024, and the effect size analysis confirmed the statistical significance of these changes. Conclusions: 1. Targeted training load planning and individualized monitoring help optimize physiological adaptation and reduce the risk of overtraining. 2. Comparing training load dynamics for aerobic and anaerobic performance between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, a significant reduction in high-intensity load volume was observed in 2024. These adjustments primarily aimed to enhance aerobic endurance and manage recovery processes. 3. Stage-based Ruffier testing proved useful in monitoring and evaluating changes in the athlete's functional state throughout the training process. The analysis indicated that fluctuations in aerobic performance were closely linked to variations in training volume and intensity
The effect of post-activation potentiation on explosive strength in basketball.
No full textAim of the study: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has gained attention as a pre-competition strategy to improve performance (Fischer & Paternoster, 2024). However, its effectiveness remains unclear (Rappelt et al., 2024). Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of two PAPE protocols—isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and squat at optimal power load (OP) - on countermovement jump (CMJ) height and peak force in semi-professional basketball players. Methods: Twelve basketball players (age = 20.1 ± 1.5 years, height 194.5 ± 7.6 cm, body mass 85.3 ± 7.6 kg, fat mass 9.3 ± 3.5 %) completed three testing sessions (Control, IMTP, and OP) in randomized order. CMJ height and peak force were measured at pre-intervention and at 8 minutes and 20 minutes post-intervention. Results: For CMJ height, no significant main effect of condition (p = 0.408, η²ₚ = 0.078), time (p = 0.758, η²ₚ = 0.025), or condition × time interaction (p = 0.370, η²ₚ = 0.091). For peak force, there was a significant main effect of time (p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.536), but no significant effect of condition (p = 0.321, η²ₚ = 0.098) or condition × time interaction (p = 0.915, η²ₚ = 0.021). Conclusions: Neither protocol improved CMJ performance. Neuromuscular responses to PAPE may be outcome-specific, as time effects were only seen in peak force
Assesment of smart technology usage in sport.
No full textRelevance. This paper explores the application of smart technologies in sports and evaluates them from the perspective of sports professionals. In recent years, these technologies have become an integral part of sports, yet their impact and benefits have not been sufficiently assessed at a practical level. Research problem – insufficient understanding of the use and effectiveness of smart technologies among sports practitioners in Lithuania. Objective – to evaluate the use of smart technologies in sports from the users' perspective. Tasks: 1. To review the development and areas of application of smart technologies in sports. 2. To discuss the benefits and challenges of using smart technologies in sports. 3. To identify key aspects of smart technology application based on insights from sports experts. The study is based on a qualitative methodology – semi-structured interviews were conducted with five coaches who actively use smart technologies in their work. Additionally, literature analysis and statistical summaries were applied. The results revealed that the most commonly used technologies are smartwatches, GPS, heart rate monitors, and biomechanical analysis equipment. Experts highlighted advantages such as data accuracy, the ability to monitor training in real time, and increased motivation. Disadvantages included high cost, complexity, and challenges in data interpretation. It was observed that the benefits of smart technologies are not uniform for all users – they depend on the users’ competencies and technological literacy. In conclusion, smart technologies in sports have great potential, but their effective application depends on the users’ ability to understand and utilize the data. The influence of technology on sports is expected to grow in the near future, making it essential to invest not only in the tools themselves but also in human resources
Dirbtinio intelekto taikymas turizmo organizacijoje.
No full textPurpose of the Study — To analyze the adoption and integration of AI technologies in tourism organizations and assess their impact on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Research Objectives: 1. Identify and classify AI technologies used in tourism organizations. 2. Assess the benefits and challenges of AI adoption in tourism firms. 3. Examine customer perceptions and interactions with AI-driven services. Research Methods: A qualitative exploratory approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 10 tourism professionals (hotel managers, travel agency owners, and operational staff) and travelers. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis to identify key themes such as operational efficiency, customer engagement, and integration challenges. Structure of the Work: The thesis comprises three parts: a literature review on AI’s role in tourism, a methodology outlining qualitative research design and sampling strategies, and a findings section presenting empirical insights from interviews. Research Results: AI technologies, including chatbots, predictive analytics, and dynamic pricing systems, significantly enhance operational efficiency by automating tasks and optimizing resource allocation. Personalized customer experiences via AI-driven recommendations and 24/7 support improve satisfaction, though challenges persist, such as high implementation costs, legacy system incompatibility, and concerns over reduced human interaction. Hybrid AI-human models and phased adoption strategies were identified as critical for balancing automation with emotional intelligence. The study concludes that while AI transforms tourism operations, its successful integration requires addressing technical, financial, and cultural barriers to maintain the human-centric essence of hospitality. Insights guide AI adoption, trust via transparency and stakeholder collaboration for sustainability. Study AI’s job impacts and eco-tourism role
Lietuvos pradinių klasių mokinių fizinio pajėgumo kaitą vienerių metų laikotarpyje sąlygojantys veiksniai.
No full textThe scientists highlight the issue of physical activity and there has also been intensive dialogue on the reasons for the consistent decline in physical fitness (Aubert et al., 2018; Aubert et al., 2022; Sukys et al., 2019; Venckunas, et al., 2017). The results of an epidemiological study conducted every ten years since 1992 by researchers at the Lithuanian Sports University have demonstrated that the physical fitness of Lithuanian schoolchildren aged between 11 and 18 has been declining consistently over the last twenty years (Venckūnas et al., 2017). Among 167,000 school-aged youth surveyed across 37 countries, only a small fraction—around 20%—meet the daily standard of engaging in 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity, highlighting a widespread lack of sufficient movement in this population (Marques et al., 2019). Comparative international analyses indicate a downward trend in physical activity levels among children and adolescents across various countries (Aubert et al., 2018; Aubert et al,. 2022). In addition to the negative effects on physical fitness, insufficient physical activity and increasing physical inactivity lead to health problems (Global Status Report on Physical Activity, 2022). The lack of physical activity in young people has a cumulative effect, with chronic diseases in older age (Booth et al., 2012; Ligero et al., 2023 López Sánchez et al., 2022). The younger school age is a particularly important stage in the development of children’s physical fitness (Huotari et al., 2010; Gallahue &Ozmun, 2015; Malina et al., 2004; Stodden et al., 2016). Physical activity constitutes a key modifiable determinant of physical fitness. However, a range of conditions must coincide at this stage of a child’s development to ensure their physical fitness. A systematic literature review provides a conceptual model of the factors affecting physical fitness based on the Ecological Theory (Perumal et al., 2017). According to this model, physical fitness is both directly and indirectly affected by the interactions between individual, sociodemographic, genetic, and health-related behaviour as well as interpersonal and institutional factors (Perumal et al., 2017). Physical fitness is influenced by a multifactorial set of determinants, whose individual effects may be either attenuated or potentiated through complex interrelations. Consequently, analyses focusing solely on isolated variables fail to capture the synergistic or antagonistic interactions among these factors. Few studies have examined how multiple interacting factors affect physical fitness (Perumal et al., 2017). The aim of the study is to assess the physical fitness of 7- to 11- year-old schoolchildren, its changes over the course of one year, and to identify associations and causal relationships with: 1. individual factors of the schoolchildren; 2. interpersonal factors – specifically, family-related aspects; 3. institutional factors – specifically, school-related aspects. Research Objectives 1. To compare physical fitness across gender and age groups and to evaluate the significance of individual factors for physical fitness. 2. To assess interpersonal factors and their associations with individual factors. 3. To evaluate school-related characteristics and their associations with the physical fitness of primary schoolchildren. 4. To identify changes in schoolchildren physical fitness over the course of a longitudinal study and determine the individual, interpersonal, and institutional factors associated with more favorable health-related physical fitness. Scientific novelty. Both practitioners and researchers in the country lack scientifically validated, adapted and reliable methodologies for assessing the physical fitness of primary school children. Fragmented studies (Rutkauskaitė and Barkauskė, 2016; Paulauskas, 2011) do not reflect the population of Lithuanian primary school children. A population-based study of the physical fitness of primary school children has been conducted by researchers at the Lithuanian Sports University, and reference norms by age and gender have been presented (Emeljanovas et al., 2019), however, no deeper analysis of the factors that determine physical fitness has been carried out. CONCLUSIONS. 1. Male gender, a normal body mass index, higher levels of both organized and unorganized physical activity, and greater satisfaction with such activity are associated with higher physical fitness among primary schoolchildren. 2. Families of primary schoolchildren generally exhibit a favorable context—subjectively assessed—for physical activity and healthy nutrition, with these factors being interrelated. However, a supportive context for physical activity does not correlate with the children's actual physical activity levels. Moreover, only about one-third of parents are sufficiently physically active. Conversely, a more health-promoting nutritional environment within the family is associated with healthier eating habits in children, though not with their body mass index. 3. The physical education competencies of school principals, the school's involvement in projects promoting physical activity, and the size of the school contribute to higher physical fitness levels among primary schoolchildren. 4. The physical fitness of primary schoolchildren improves annually; however, not all attributes show consistent enhancement, with variations depending on gender and age group. When positive changes occur, they are most frequently linked to higher physical activity levels, greater satisfaction with physical activity, and reduced sedentary behavior. Interpersonal factors do not emerge as significant contributors to improvements in physical fitness. In contrast, organizational factors— such as the school's participation in physical activity promotion projects, the physical education competencies of school principals, and the size of the school—are significantly associated with positive changes in physical fitness
Cold- and hot-water immersion are not more effective than placebo for the recovery of physical performance and training adaptations in national level soccer players /
No full textPurpose: Cold- and hot-water immersion (CWI and HWI, respectively) are popular post-exercise recovery methods in competitive soccer. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the effect of post-exercise CWI, HWI and placebo on the recovery of physical performance in national level soccer players, and (2) investigate whether repeated use of these recovery modalities has an impact on training adaptations over a 15 week period. Methods: For Part I, 40 male soccer players (15-19 years) were randomized to either CWI (10 °C, 10 min), HWI (42 °C, 20 min), or placebo (6 min, sham laser), applied after a 90 min simulated soccer match (SSM). Physical performance was assessed using submaximal aerobic, 20 m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), and knee extension strength tests [i.e., maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and time to exhaustion (TTE) at 60% of MVIC] performed at Pre-SSM and 0, 21 and 45 h Post-SSM. For Part II, 19 participants applied their respective recovery modality (~ twice a week) in their usual training. After 15 weeks, physical performance and body composition were assessed and compared to pre-intervention. Results: All three modalities similarly affected the recovery of physical performance during the 21-45 h Post-SSM period (p 0.05). Conclusion: Compared to a placebo, CWI and HWI do not improve post-match recovery of physical performance and do not impact long-term training adaptations in highly trained soccer players
Kojų lūžių poveikio NBA žaidėjų rezultatams vertinimas: lyginamasis prieš traumą ir po jos pasiektų rodiklių tyrimas.
No full textIn the competitive environment of the National Basketball Association (NBA), leg fractures pose a serious threat to player performance and career longevity. These injuries, affecting major bones such as the tibia, fibula, and femur, can result in extended recovery periods and limited mobility, often impacting on-court effectiveness. However, limited research has specifically examined how leg fractures affect player performance metrics over time. Objective: This study aims to assess the effect of leg fractures on NBA player performance by comparing key metrics before and after injury, identifying individual trends in recovery and gameplay outcomes. Method: A sample of NBA players with documented leg fractures was analyzed. For each athlete, average performance data from pre- and post-injury phases were compared. Grouped bar charts were used to visually present individual differences and trends in performance changes. Results: Among the 18 players analyzed, a general decline in post-injury performance was observed, particularly in minutes played (mean decrease = 6.99, p = .002), points per game (mean decrease = 3.4, p < .05), assists, rebounds, and free throw metrics. While two-point efficiency (2PT%) remained consistent, free throw percentage declined significantly (16.61%, p = .005). Moderate correlations in some areas (e.g., 2PT made, r = .630) indicated partial retention of specific skills. A minority of players showed improvement, highlighting varied recovery outcomes. Conclusion: Leg fractures significantly impact key performance metrics in NBA players. Recovery varies by individual, emphasizing the importance of personalized rehabilitation strategies and team support to optimize return-to-play outcomes